In Kyoto, you can buy the most exquisite green tea cookies on this planet: quality ingredients, perfectly composed, but utterly expensive. The same applies to Hibiki 21. On the nose, papaya, kiwi and subtle hints of soot mix with sandalwood, dried herbs and incense. Like a roller coaster, the taste catapults you through the flavor wheel: juicy, fruity, spicy and floral, intense and rounded, this blend sparkles like a diamond. Mizunara, icing sugar, and, I kid you not, green tea cookies with white chocolate crown the slowly fading finish. A world-class whisky!
RATING: 4.5/5.0 stars ≙ 91 pts → SUPERB
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@PBMichiganWolverine That would be a very interesting tasting! If only the bottles were cheaper... I didn't open my Hibiki 21 yet, but tasted it in Japan and got another 4 cl sample for this review. 600 Yen at the distillery, cheap as chips!
@Slainte-Mhath Congrats on 150. A fantastic whisky to bring you to there.
I opened my bottle up 2 years ago, and now have a 6 cl pour left in a small vial. I’m intending to keep that so one day, if this ever becomes affordable, I can do a side by side of the new vs old. My bottle was from 8-9 years ago, got it for $150 or so I think
Appropriate pour for the 150
@Slainte-Mhath - congrats on 150! Always a great insight from your reviews.
Congrats on 150 quality reviews! Keep them coming- you’re a great asset to the @Distiller community. Cheers.
Congrats on 150 :-). Nice way to celebrate!
Additional comment: Tasted side by side with Hibiki 30, I have a clear preference for the 21-year-old expression. If you are familiar with the concept of 'maturation peak', then Hibiki 21 is really hitting the sweet spot. Having tasted approximately 500 whiskies, Hibiki 21 is by far the best blend I have ever had.
Additional comment: If you happen to visit Kyoto, keep your eyes open for the little Malebranche shop at the Shinkansen gate. These cookies are very famous in Japan and you won't believe how many people are queuing up to buy a box. Here is a link: http://www.malebranche.co.jp.e.aby.hp.transer.com/products/yakigashi/chanoka/
Additional comment: 150 reviews, time to celebrate this milestone with something special. Thanks to all of you for the many interesting discussions, insights and recommendations, I really enjoy being a part of the Distiller community. On your good health, Slàinte!